The Monash-Warwick Alliance has made its first three joint research appointments as part of a drive to tackle the global challenges of the 21^st Century.

Two leading polymer chemists – Professor Tom Davis and Professor Sébastien Perrier- will join the Alliance to work in the rapidly emerging field of nanomedicine.

Professor Adam Lee, whose work bridges the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering, will also come on board. He is a leader in the rational design of functional materials for sustainable chemical processes and renewable energy applications.

Professor Davis joins from the University of New South Wales, Professor Perrier joins from the University of Sydney and Professor Lee joins from Cardiff University.

The three new joint appointments are the first since Professor Andrew Coats took up the role of Academic Vice-President and Director of the Monash-Warwick Alliance last year. Professor Coats said: “These appointments are a major step in generating world leading capacity in the emerging fields of polymer and sustainable chemistry. Chemistry is crucial to the global challenges facing us and a central plank to the Alliance strategy of establishing world leading research groups in crucial areas. Tom, Sébastien and Adam impressed us all with their drive and enthusiasm and the fact we could attract scientists of such calibre is a reflection of the impact the Monash-Warwick Alliance is already generating in its very early stages”

The three new appointments are part of an expected A$6.3 million /£4 million investment in the creation of additional joint senior academic posts and in establishing collaborative working arrangements for existing staff across all faculties.

Each of the professors will be primarily based at one institution, but will spend significant time at the partner university. In addition to directing groundbreaking research activities, the appointees will have teaching and strategic responsibilities.

Formed in early 2012, the Monash-Warwick Alliance represents an innovation in higher education.

By combining their strengths, the two institutions will accelerate the exchange of people, ideas and information, and exploit the opportunities offered by their different geographies.

ENDS

For more information please contact University of Warwick press officer Anna Blackaby on 02476 575910 or 07785 433155 or a dot blackaby at warwick dot ac dot uk

 

Images show Professor Tom Davis, Professor Adam Lee and Professor Sébastien Perrier